Reusable plastic containers as packaging material for disposable plastic garbage bags contained therein and method of packaging with reusable plastic containers as packaging material

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose container (10) is provided. The container has a lid (14) having an edge (60) and a ridge (54) rising from a top surface of the lid (14). The multi-purpose container also has a container portion (12) defining an opening (25) for the container (10). The container portion (12) includes a base (16) having a recess (82) defined in one surface (80) of the base (16). The container portion also includes first (22) and second (24) sides joined to the other surface of the base (16). Each side (22 &amp; 24) has a lid channel (48) along a top inside edge (46) for receiving the lid&#39;s edge. The back (18) is joined to the base (16) and sides (22 &amp; 24) and has a back ridge (72) rising from an outside surface (70) and a lid channel (61) along its top inside edge for receiving the lid&#39;s edge. The container portion (12) also includes a front (20) joined to the base (16) and sides (22 &amp; 24) and has a front ridge (28) rising from its outside surface. The lid&#39;s edge slides into the lid channel of the sides (48) and back (61) so as to secure the lid (14) in the container portion&#39;s opening (25). Additionally, the lid&#39;s ridge (54) can interlock with the base recess (82) of another similarly constructed container and the front ridge (28) can interlock with the back ridge (72) of another similarly constructed container.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates in general to the field of shipping, storage, anddisplay containers, and more particularly, to a multi-purpose stackable,interlocking shipping, storage, and display container. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to packaging and shippingmaterial for disposable plastic garbage bags, and, more particularly, tothe retail and wholesale packaging of plastic garbage bags in reusableplastic containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the material handling industry, there is a need for a container thatcan be used for shipping, storing, and displaying various types ofmaterials. Currently, material is shipped in a first container, oftenstored in a second container, and then displayed in a third container.The cost of each container adds to the expense of the material and alsocreates waste that must be disposed of. Moving the material betweencontainers also adds additional cost to the material itself.

Previously developed containers often do not provide for stablestacking. In order to secure a number of containers during shipment, itis often necessary to wrap the containers several times in a plasticwrap. Once the material reaches its destination, the plastic wrap isremoved and must be disposed of.

Presently available stackable containers generally may be stacked inonly one direction. Generally, the bottom of one container will matewith the top of another. This may not always be acceptable. It may bedesirable to stack containers front to back for certain applications.This is not provided for in prior art containers.

Disposable plastic garbage bags represent one type of material that isshipped in a container. As is well known, large quantities of disposableplastic garbage bags are commonly used in home and office environmentsfor the collection and storage of trash. Predetermined quantities ofthese bags are typically sold in cardboard packaging, or other types ofpackaging material, all of which are disposable and of little or no useonce they have been emptied of their contents. Therefore, such packagingcreates disposal concerns which may have an adverse environmentalimpact, and also raises costs.

It is accordingly one object of the present invention to package plasticbags, preferably plastic garbage bags, in reusable containers.

Another object is to package, display and sell plastic trash bags orother products in reusable containers that do not require modificationand are multi-functional in use once the bags or other goods are removedafter purchase.

Still another object is to enable manufacturers of plastic products toutilize one of their products as packaging material for a second plasticproduct preferably manufactured by the same manufacturer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a multi-purpose shipping,storage, and display container is provided that substantially eliminatesproblems associated with prior containers.

One aspect of the present invention provides a multi-purpose containerhaving a lid and container portion. The lid has an edge and a ridgerising from a top surface of the lid. The container portion defines anopening for the container and includes a base, two sides, a back, and afront. The base has a recess formed in one of its surfaces. The sidesinclude first and second sides joined to the base with each side havinga lid channel along its top inside edge for receiving the lid's ridge.The back is joined to the base and sides and has a back ridge risingfrom an outside surface and a lid channel along a top inside edge forreceiving the lid's first edge. The container portion's front is joinedto the base and sides and has a front ridge rising from its outsidesurface. The lid's edge slides into the lid channel of the sides andback so as to secure the lid in the container portion's opening.Additionally, the lid's ridge will interlock with the base recess of asimilarly constructed container, and the front ridge will interlock withthe back ridge of another similarly constructed container.

The present invention provides a technical advantage of a container thatis suitable for shipping, storing and displaying material. The presentmulti-purpose container is stackable and may be interlocked withmultiple other containers.

The present container is also suitable for displaying the materialwithin the container. Upon delivery at its destination, the presentcontainer can be used to display the material it holds without requiringtransfer to a separate product display package. This provides atechnical advantage of minimizing the handling costs to the materialthat are generally passed onto the end-user or consumer of the material.Using the multi-purpose container of the present invention for shipping,storing, and displaying material also provides a technical advantage ofminimizing waste otherwise generated as the material is transferredbetween containers.

Another technical advantage of the present container is its low cost andlightweight. The present invention may have a latching lid that may bemade tamper proof providing a technical advantage of securing thematerial in the container safely. The present container may also includea recessable handle that provides technical advantages of easy handlingwhen used but does not interfere when not in use.

Yet another technical advantage of the present multi-purpose containeris that it may be formed from recyclable material. The present containermay be formed using standard plastic manufacturing processes.Additionally, the present invention reduces the amount of plastic wraprequired when several of the present containers are in shipment.

Another technical advantage of the present multi-purpose container isthat it may have after market use by the consumer. For example, thepresent container can be used to ship, store, and display produce. Afterremoving the produce from the container, the consumer can use thepresent multi-purpose container for storing various household items.

In a broad context, therefore, the invention concerns the use of a firstproduct as packaging for and shipment of a second product. The firstproduct is a `stand alone` saleable product having functional andstructural utility separate and apart from the functional and structuralutility of the second product.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention thereis provided a reusable plastic container as packaging for and shippingof a plurality of plastic trash bags disposed within the container. Boththe container and the bags are sold as a unit at a point of purchasedisplay. After purchase, the bags may be removed to enable use of thecontainer for storage of liquids or dry foods, or a sundry of otheritems, and optionally for freezer storage and measuring.

In a different sense, the present invention is directed to thecombination of a reusable plastic container including an open topcontainer body and a main lid reattachably secured to selectively closethe open top. A dry product is disposed within the reusable containerwherein the latter constitutes packaging for the dry product at a pointof purchase. Both the reusable container acting as packaging for the dryproduct, and the product itself are sold as a unit.

In yet another sense, a further preferred embodiment of the presentinvention concerns a reusable container comprising a container body anda main lid detachably secured to close an open end of the containerbody. The main lid is formed with at least one pour opening. Anauxiliary closure is preferably detachably secured to the main lid toselectively cover the pour opening. A locking tab is formed on a sidewall portion of at least one of the main lid and container body and alocking recess is formed on another side wall portion of at least one ofthe main lid and container body. Mating engagement of the locking tab ofone reusable plastic container within a locking recess of anotheridentical reusable plastic container enables adjacent containers tointerlock in side-by-side display.

In this further preferred embodiment, the main lid includes first andsecond differently sized dispensing openings. The auxiliary closureincludes a pair of closure portions at opposite ends thereof and a hingeportion at a center location. Thinner connecting webs attach the closureend portions to the center hinge portion to define flexure zonesenabling each closure portion to independently manually pivot into andout of closing contact with the associated pour opening. Thisarrangement facilitates pourability at different flow rates as a resultof the different size openings. Preferably, the hinge portion includesconnecting hinge formations that snap-fit into openings formed in themain lid or are otherwise attached for connecting the auxiliary closureto the lid.

The side walls of the container body may be tapered to facilitatenesting with a similar container. Certain ones of the side walls of thecontainer body can be provided with longitudinal recesses to createfinger-gripping depressions. Other side walls of the container body canbe provided with further longitudinal recesses to facilitate sliding ofan inner container from an outer container when in the nested position.

The container body bottom wall is preferably provided with stackingformations capable of interfitting with complementary stackingformations formed in the top surface of the main lid of an adjacentbelow container to facilitate stacking of like containers.

A method of packaging a dry product is also disclosed. In accordancewith the method of the invention, a reusable container functions aspackaging for the product. The reusable container has a separatemulti-functional use apart from its existence as packaging. Both thereusable container and the product packaged within are sold as a unit ata point of wholesale or retail purchase. After sale to the ultimateuser, the product can either be dispensed as needed from the container,such as through one of the pour openings. Preferably, however, theproduct is removed from the container to enable the latter to now beused multi-functionally, e.g., for storage of other products, dry orliquid; as a juice or liquid dispenser, storage container for foods,storage container for hardware, office supplies, etc.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomereadily apparent to those skilled in this art from the followingdetailed description, wherein only the preferred embodiments of theinvention are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of thebest mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will berealized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments,and its several details are capable of modifications in various obviousrespects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, thedrawing and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention andadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which likereference numbers indicate like features and wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view in elevation of one embodiment of thepresent multi-purpose container;

FIG. 1B depicts an inside view of an embodiment of the lid for thecontainer of the present invention;

FIG. 2 provides a back view of one configuration of the container of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of one embodiment of the present containerfrom the perspective of the base;

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view in elevation of another embodiment ofthe present multi-purpose container;

FIG. 4B provides in part a side view in section of the multi-purposecontainer of the present invention having a solid molded handle;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view in elevation of another embodiment ofthe present multi-purpose container of the present invention having apass core handle;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view in elevation and in part ofanother embodiment of the multi-purpose container of the presentinvention having a barbed interlocking handle;

FIG. 7 depicts in cross section an alternate reversible lidconfiguration for the present multi-purpose container;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view in elevation of another configuration ofthe present multi-purpose container having a hinged lid;

FIG. 9 depicts in cross section one embodiment for the hinge in thecontainer of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows in cross section another embodiment for the hinge in thecontainer of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 illustrates in elevation an application of several of thepresent multi-purpose containers in a shipping system;

FIG. 12 illustrates in elevation another application of several of thepresent multi-purpose containers in a shipping system;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective view illustrations of a reusable plasticcontainer in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15A is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 13with the container body and main lid and auxiliary closure detached fromeach other;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a packaged array of containers of thetype depicted in FIG. 13, for use as packaging material for plasticgarbage bags;

FIGS 16A and 16B are side elevational views of the container body ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 17A is a sectional view of the container body taken along the line17A--17A of FIG. 17D;

FIG. 17B is an elevational view of the container body taken alongsection lines 17B--17B of FIG. 17D;

FIG. 17C is an elevational view of the container body taken alongsection lines 17C--17C of FIG. 17D;

FIG. 17D is a top plan view of the container body of FIG. 17B whenviewed with the main lid removed;

FIG. 17E is a detailed view of a sealing bead formed in the containerbody open end;

FIG. 17F is a bottom plan view of the container body of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18A is a sectional view of the main lid taken along line 18A--18Aof FIG. 18C;

FIG. 18B is a sectional view of the main lid taken along line 18B--18Bof FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18C is a top plan view of the main lid;

FIG. 18D is a detailed sectional plan view of a male locking tab formedon the main lid;

FIG. 18E is a detailed sectional view of a rib used to createsnap-fitting engagement between the main lid and container body openend;

FIG. 18F is a detailed view of one of the pour openings formed in themain lid;

FIG. 18G is a detailed sectional plan view of a female locking recessformed in the main lid;

FIG. 19A is a sectional view taken along the line 19A--19A of FIG. 19Cto depict the main lid and auxiliary closure operatively attached to thecontainer body;

FIG. 19B is a sectional view taken along the line 19B--19B of FIG. 19C;

FIG. 19C is a top plan view of the main lid with the auxiliary closurein fully attached and closed positions;

FIG. 19D is a detailed sectional view depicting the manner of sealingattachment between the auxiliary closure with the main lid and the mainlid with the container body open end;

FIG. 19E is a detailed view depicting the method of hinge attachment ofthe auxiliary closure to the main lid;

FIG. 20A is a sectional view taken along the line 20A--20A of FIG. 20Cdepicting longitudinal cross-sectional view details of the auxiliaryclosure;

FIG. 20B is a sectional view taken along the line 20B--20B of FIG. 20C;

FIG. 20C is a top plan view of the auxiliary closure; and

FIG. 20D is a detailed sectional view of a sealing portion of theclosure end.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS.1A through 20D, like numerals being used to refer to like andcorresponding parts of the various drawings.

FIG. 1A shows multi-purpose container 10 having container portion 12 andlid 14. Container portion 12 includes base 16, back 18, front 20, andsides 22 and 24 defining opening 25 in container portion 12. Thethickness of lid 14, base 16, back 18, front 20, and sides 22 and 24, isgenerally uniform throughout container 10. Each of the elements ofcontainer 10 may be formed from plastic, such as high or low densitypolyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or other material or blends ofmaterials suitable for injection or other molding processes. Thematerial that forms container 10 must be stiff and rigid, but notbrittle. The plastic used to form container 10 may be recycled plastic.Additionally, the plastic may be fiber filled. The plastic used to formcontainer 10 may also be clear, opaque, translucent, or of variouscolors. Container portion 12 may be formed by a plastic injectionmolding or blow-molded process in a single step, or alternatively, eachof the pieces of container portion 12 can be formed separately and laterjoined together by appropriate processing.

Front 20 includes front panel 26 having raised front ridge 28 around theperimeter of front panel 26. It is noted that while ridge 28 is depictedin FIG. 1A as a thin ridge, a wider ridge can be used without departingfrom the concepts of the present invention. Front panel 26 is slightlyshorter than sides 22 and 24 and couples to base 16 and sides 22 and 24.Front panel 26 may have recess 30 formed in its central section. Withinrecess 30 may be handle 32. In the embodiment of container 10 of FIG.1A, handle 32 includes handle body 34, it being understood that variousshapes for handle body 34 may be used without departing from theconcepts of the present invention. Alternatively, handle 32 may be arecess formed in front panel 26.

An important feature of front 20 is that handle 32 can be stowed belowthe surface of front panel 26 in recess 30 when container 10 is inshipping or storage. By placing handle 32 in recess 30, the handleremains out of the way when not in use and allows front 20 ofcontainer-10 to mate with back 18 of a second container similar tocontainer 10. Additional configurations for handle 32 are described indiscussions relating to FIGS. 4A, S, 6 and 8.

Located approximately in the center of top edge 36 (shown in dotted lineformat in FIG. 1A) of front 20 may be female portion 38 of latch 40.Female portion 38 cooperates with male portion 41 of latch 40 to securelid 14 in opening 25 of container portion 1Z. Female portion 38 may bereinforced with reinforcement body 42 providing additional strength tolatch 38.

Sides 22 and 24 are generally parallel with one another and include sidepanel 44. Each side panel 44 couples to base 16, front 20, and back 18.The outside surface of side panel 44 may be generally smooth and lackingof any protuberances.

Located along top inside edge 46 of each side 44 is lid channel 48(shown in dotted line format on side 22 in FIG. 1A). Lid channel 48 issized to engage the edge of lid 14 therein. Sides 22 and 24 may alsoinclude support members 50 (shown in dotted line format in FIG. 1A)located on the inside of container portion 12. Support members 50provide additional strength to sides 22 and 24. Sides 22 and 24 may alsohave vents 51 that provide air flow into and out of container 10. vents51 may be particularly desirable when container 10 is used to shipproduce and other perishable materials. It is noted that vents 51 may beformed in all surfaces of container 10 and in a variety ofconfigurations, shapes, and sizes, and are not limited to those shown inthe Figures.

Lid 14 of container 10 includes top surface 52 having ridge 54 raisedabove surface 52 formed around the outside of lid 14. In the embodimentof the present invention shown in FIG. 1A, lid ridge 54 is a singlecontinuous ridge matching the general shape of lid 14. It is noted thatlid ridge 54 is not limited to this configuration. Lid ridge 54 may haveseveral geometric shapes, such as, for example, four squares, withoutdeparting from the concepts of the present invention. Ridge 54 couldalso have more thickness than shown in FIG. 1A without departing fromthe concepts of the present multi-purpose container. Lid ridge 54 mateswith base 16 of another container 10. In some embodiments of the presentmulti-purpose container, a removable label ma be placed on top surface52 of lid 14 that graphically depicts and/or describes the materialwithin container 10. Alternatively, when it is desirable to display thematerial while in container 10, lid 14 can be made from a clearmaterial.

FIG. 1B provides a view of inside of lid 14 in FIG. 1A. On underside 56of lid 14 and along the outside edge 58 of lid 14 is lid engagementridge 60. Lid engagement ridge 60 is sized to fit in side lid channel 48formed in sides 22 and 24 and in back lid channel 61 (FIG. 1A and 2).Ridge 60 may also include locking tabs 63 on back edge 57 that slideinto matching slots 65 in back lid channel 61. Front edge 62 of lid 14includes stops 64 at either end of front edge 62. Stops 64 are largerthan lid engagement ridge 60 and prevent lid 14 from being inserted toofar into opening 25 of container portion 12. Front lid edge 62 of lid 14also includes male portion 66 of latch 40. Located on either side ofmale portion 66 of front lid edge 62 may be protuberances 68.Protuberances 68 fit over front top edge 36 of front 20 when lid 14 isfully disposed in opening 25 of container portion 12. Protuberances 68and latch 40 help secure lid 14 closed in container portion 12 ofcontainer 10.

FIG. 2 shows a rearward-looking view of container 10. Back 18 ofcontainer 10 includes back panel 70 with engagement ridges 72 risingtherefrom. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, engagement ridges 72are in the form of two squares 74. It is noted that engagement ridge 72of back 18 is not limited to this configuration. Engagement ridges 72 ofback 18 are formed to mate within front ridge 28 of front 20.

Back panel 70 may also include supports 76 (shown in dotted line formatin FIG. 2) formed on the inside of container portion 12 for providingadditional strength to back 18. Back panel 70 also includes back lidchannel 61 sized to receive lid engagement ridge 60 of lid 14. Channel61 may include slots 65 for receiving tabs 63 on ridge 60.

FIG. 3 provides a view of container 10 of FIG. 1A from the perspectiveof base 16. Base 16 includes base panel 80 having recess 82 formedtherein. Base recess 82 is sized to receive lid ridge 54 when two ofcontainers 10 of the present invention are stacked one upon another.Base recess 82 may also include cutout 84 that may be grasped to provideeasier handling of container 10. In some embodiments of the presentmulti-purpose container, a removable label may be placed on base recess82 of base 16 that graphically depicts and/or describes the materialwithin container 10.

Based upon the above description of container 10, its operation isstraightforward. Loading container 10 is easier compared to prior artcontainers because container 10 provides a four-wall, solid structurefor receiving many types of material. Once the desired material isplaced within container portion 12, lid 14 may be secured over opening25 of container 10 by aligning lid engagement ridge 60 of lid 14 withlid side channels 48 in sides 22 and 24. Lid 14 may then be slid intoopening 25 until lid engagement ridge 60 fills back lid channel 61 ofback 18. At this point, protuberances 68 will slide over top edge 36 offront 20 and male portion 66 will be engaged in female portion 38 oflatch 40 securing lid 14 in opening 25 of container portion 12.

FIG. 4A shows container 86 having container portion 88 and lid 90.Container portion 88 includes base 92, back 94, front 95, and sides 96and 98. The thickness of lid 90, base 92, back 94, front 95, and sides96 and 98 is generally uniform throughout container 86. Container 86 ofFIG. 4 shows an alternate configuration for the present multi-purposecontainer of the present invention. In particular, front 95 includes analternate embodiment for the handle that may be used with the presentcontainer.

Front 95 includes front panel 100 having raised front ridge 102 aroundthe perimeter of front panel 100. Front panel 100 is slightly shorterthan sides 96 and 98 and couples to base 92 and sides 96 and 98. Frontpanel 100 may have recess 104 formed in its central section. Withinrecess 104 is handle 106. Recess 104 also includes finger grips 105 thatare sized to receive fingers when container 86 is lifted. In theembodiment of FIG. 4A, handle 106 is a solid tapered body having widesection 108 at its exterior and narrow section 110 where handle 106couples to front panel 100 in recess 104. Additional detail on handle106 may be found in discussions relating to FIG. 4B.

Side 96 of container 86 has ridge 107 rising therefrom, and side 98would have a similar ridge. By including ridges on sides 96 and 98, thepresent multi-purpose container can be side-to-side interlocked with asimilarly constructed container. It is appreciated that a convention forthe ridges must be established so that interlocking is achieved. Forexample, the ridge on side 96 of all similarly constructed containerscan be sized to mate within the ridge on side 98 of all similarlyconstructed containers. By this way, the present multi-purpose containercan interlock face-to-back, lid-to-bottom, and side-to-side withsimilarly constructed containers.

FIG. 4A demonstrates some additional features of the presentmulti-purpose container. Container 86 includes markings 112 that can berepositional adhesive markings or alternatively can be snap-in inserts.For example, marking insert 114 can be formed of a solid body portion116 that snaps into opening 118 formed in front panel 100. This allowsthe present container to be personalized by the user as desired.Additionally, markings 112 can be identical or different as shown inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of handle 106 of FIG. 4A. Inparticular, FIG. 43 shows that handle 106 is completely contained withinrecess 104 in front panel 100. Wide section 108 of handle 106 isgenerally even with the surface of front 95 and narrow section 110couples to front panel 100 within recess 104. It is noted that the shapeof handle 106 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4B as various shapescan be used without departing from the inventive concepts of the presentinvention. Handle 106 can be coupled to front 95 by molding, heatstaking, or form fixturing processes.

FIG. 5 shows an alternate configuration for the multi-purpose containerof the present invention. Container 120 in FIG. 5 has container portion122 and lid 124. Container portion 122 includes base 126, back 128,front 130, and sides 132 and 134. The thickness of lid 124, base 126,back 128, front 130, and sides 132 and 134 is generally-uniformthroughout container portion 122. Container 120 is similar to container10 of FIG. 1A with modifications to handle 136 and front 130.

Front 130 includes front panel 138 having raised front ridge 140 aroundthe perimeter of front panel 138. Front panel 138 is slightly shorterthan sides 132 and 134. Front panel 138 may have recess 142 formed inits central section. Spanning recess 142 is handle 136. Handle 136 isthe type known as a pass core handle and can be grasped with a person'sfingers. It is noted that handle 136 is below the surface of raisedfront ridge 140 so that front 130 of container 120 can mate with back128 of another container 120. Handle 136 may be coupled to front panel138 by heat staking, molding, form fixturing, or ultrasonically weldingprocesses. FIG. 5 also shows handle 143 in back 128 (in dotted lineformat). Any of the configurations of the present multi-purposecontainer may, therefore, have two handles as shown in FIG. 5 forcontainer 120.

FIG. 5 also illustrates tamper-proof mechanism 144. Tamper-proofmechanism 144 may have several embodiments. In its simplest form, itwould be an adhesive strip that is placed over lid 124 and front 1q0. Iftamper-proof mechanism 144 has been removed when container 120 reachesits destination, then the recipient of container 120 knows thatcontainer 120 has been opened. Alternatively, tamper-proof mechanism 144could be a piece of plastic ultrasonically welded to lid 124 and front130. This provides a hard fixed way to maintain container 120 closed andprovides a high level of security that container 120 will not be openedduring shipping or storage.

FIG. 6 shows a partial illustration of container 146 depicting analternate configuration for the present multi-purpose container.container 146 includes container portion 148 and Sid 150. Containerportion 148 includes base 152, front 156, and sides 158 and 160. Thethickness of lid 1S0, base 1S2, front 156, and sides 158 and 160, isgenerally uniform throughout container portion 148.

Front 156 includes front panel 162 having raised front ridge 164 aroundthe perimeter of front panel 162. Front panel 162 is slightly shorterthan sides 1S8 and 160 and couples to base 1S2 and sides 158 and 160.Front panel 162 may have recess 166 formed in its central section.Within recess 166 may be handle 168. Handle 168 is the type known as aninterlocking barbed handle and has handle body 170 with barbs 172 barbs172 insert to openings 174 formed in recess 166 of front panel 162. Whennot in use, handle 168 will be stowed below raised front ridge 164 sothat front 1S6 of container 146 can mate with back 1S4 of anothercontainer 146.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate configuration for the present multi-purposecontainer. Container 176 shown in FIG. 7 is shown in cross-section withlid 178, sides 180 and 182 and base 184. Sides 180 and 182 each includelid engagement channel 186. Lid 178 includes center section 188 with tabsections 190. Each tab section 190 is sized to be received in lidengagement channel 186. Lid 178 of container 176 is reversible in thatit can be inserted with center section 188 above tab section 190 asshown in FIG. 1A or with center section 188 below tab sections 190. Itmay be desirable to use lid 178 as shown in FIG. 7 when container 176 isparticularly full. Alternatively, when container 176 contains less thanits full amount of materialS it may be desirable to stow lid 178opposite to that shown in FIG. 7 so that the material within container176 is not unnecessarily jostled during shipment and storage.

FIG. 8 shows multi-purpose container 192 embodying features of thepresent invention. Shipping container 192 has hingeable lid 194 andcontainer portion 196. Container portion 196 includes base 198, back200, front 202, and sides 204 and 206. The thickness of lid 194, front202, back 200, front 202, and sides 204 and 206, is generally uniformthroughout container portion 196.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate configuration for lid 194 of the presentinvention. Lid 194 is joined to container portion 196 by hinges 208.Container 192 of FIG. 9 provides a technical advantage of a one-piececontainer having lid 194 coupled directly to container portion 196.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for hinges 208 ofcontainer 192. Hinge 208 includes pivot joint 212, lid arm 214, and backarm 216. Pivot 212 may be formed from plastic that is attached to lid194 and back 200 by known methods, such as, for example, ultrasonicwelding.

FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment for hinge 208 of container 192 ofFIG. 9. Hinge 208 in FIG. 10 is known to those skilled in the art as aliving hinge and is formed from plastic that joins lid 194 to back 200.Living hinge 226 provides for a lid that is movable with respect to back200, yet does not require the additional steps or expense of adding aphysically separate hinge such as first hinge 210 or second 218 of FIG.9.

The various embodiments of the present multi-purpose container can bemade in a variety of sizes to accommodate a range of products including,but not limited to, plastic bags, produce, and other consumer goods. Thesize and shape of the present container can be modified as required foruse with various items.

FIG. 11 illustrates shipping system 228 that is an application of thepresent container having multiple containers stacked onto and secured toshipping pallet 230. Shipping system 228 of FIG. 11 includes shippingpallet 230 that 4ss generally formed from wood, plastic, or otherdurable-material. Stacked on shipping pallet 230 are three columns 232containing several of the multi-purpose containers of the presentinvention. The shipping containers on pallet 230 may be any of theembodiments shown and described herein for the present invention. Infact, several embodiments of the present multi-purpose container may beused at a time within shipping system 228. Each column 232 has severalcontainers stacked face-to-back within a row and top-to bottom betweenrows. Columns 232 of multiple containers of the present invention aresecured to pallet 230 by top plate 234, which may be cardboard, andstraps 236. Alternatively, columns 232 of the present container may besecured to pallet 230 by plastic wrap as is known in the art. It isnoted that because the present multi-purpose container interlocks withanother container in both the top-to-bottom and front-to-back direction,that less plastic wrap is required than for prior art shippingcontainers.

FIG. 11 illustrates several technical advantages of the presentinvention. The multi-purpose container of the present invention can beused in shipping system 228 without requiring as much plastic wrap tosecure the multiple containers to pallet 230. Reusable top plate 234 andstraps 236 can be used in lieu of plastic wrap to secure the containersto pallet 230 minimizing refuse upon delivery of the containers. Thepresent containers of shipping system 228 are interlocked within oneanother providing stability to shipping system 228. Additionally, onceshipping system 228 reaches its destination, straps 236 and cardboard234 can be removed and the material within the containers can be storedin the containers without requiring transfer to a new storage medium.This helps minimize the cost of the material shipped and stored withinthe container of the present invention. Additionally, the interlockingcapability of the present multi-purpose container provides for morestable stacking as a product display for point-of-sale merchandizing ofthe material in the container.

FIG. 12 illustrates shipping system 238 that is an application of thepresent multi-purpose container having multiple containers interlockedwith one another and stacked onto shipping pallet 230. Shipping system238 of FIG. 12 includes shipping pallet 230, and stacked on pallet 230are three rows 240 containing several of the multi-purpose containers ofthe present invention. The shipping containers on pallet 230 may be anyof the embodiments shown and described herein for the present invention.

FIG. 12 demonstrates an alternate interlocking stacking scheme for thepresent multi-purpose container. Where shipping system 228 of FIG. 11had three separate columns 232 of containers, rows 240 of shippingsystem 238 interlock with one another. Row 242 is interlocked with row244 by ordering the containers in row 244 as shown with respect to thecontainers in row 242. Row 246 is similarly interlocked with row 244.FIG. 12, therefore, illustrates a shipping system where eachmulti-purpose container interlocks with more than one other similarlyconstructed container along any one face of the containers.

FIGS. 13-15 are perspective views of a reusable, multi-purpose plasticcontainer (preferably clear), generally designated with referencenumeral 310 and in accordance with a further preferred embodiment, whichincludes an open top container body 312 and a main lid 314 adapted toreleasably attach to the open top 316. Main lid 314 is preferably formedwith two pour openings 316a and 316b (FIG. 15A) and an auxiliary closure318 is secured to the main lid 314 to open and close one or bothopenings in the unique manner described below.

Although container 310 may be sold as a single product, it is a highlypreferred and unique feature of the present invention to fill container310 with a second product A so that the container functions as packagingfor the second product, as also described hereinabove in connection withthe other preferred embodiments. The container 310 and product A aresold as a unit at a point of purchase display to a consumer having aneed for both the reusable container as well as the product A. In thepreferred embodiment, product A constitutes a roll or plurality ofplastic trash bags 320 (FIGS. 15A and 15B only) disposed within thecontainer interior 322, with the container 310 functioning as thepackaging and shipping material. A label (not shown) describing productA as well as the independent, multi-purpose utility of the container 310may be loosely placed or fixed within the container interior 322 forviewing through the transparent container side wall 324, or can be fixedto the container exterior. Following purchase, it is expected that theconsumer will remove the plastic trash bags 320 from container body 312by first removing main lid 314 to expose open top 316. Once this occurs,container 310 is now ready for immediate re-use as a container having amulti-purpose capability for storing and dispensing a variety of othermaterials, both liquid (e.g., juice, milk, etc.) and bulk material(e.g., cereal, nuts, raisins, etc.).

Another highly preferred feature of the present invention is to utilizereusable container 310 as packaging for a product A that ispredominantly made from the same type of material as the container body312 and/or lid 314. Preferably, but not necessarily, a plastics productmanufacturer that manufactures both plastic containers and plasticgarbage bags (or other plastic products) as also described hereinabovein connection with the other preferred embodiments, or that manufacturesone and has the capability to manufacture the other, will find thatpractice of the invention advantageously results in enjoyment of certaineconomies, i.e., use of one manufactured product having separate andindependent multi-purpose utility as packaging material for the secondproduct, thereby eliminating the need to manufacture or acquire separatepackaging material for the second product.

Another highly preferred feature of the present invention is thatreusable container 310 and the other preferred embodiments hereinaboveare designed for multi-functional use which is separate and independentfrom its use as packaging material for product A. The feature ofre-attachable main lid 314 is important for imparting multi-functionalcharacteristics to container 310. In this context, invention extends tothe combination of container 310, inclusive of lid 314, irrespective ofthe nature of product A. However, it is preferred that product A be adry bulk material (e.g., raisins, almonds, screws, candy, cereal, etc.)as opposed to a liquid material (e.g., juice) when initially packagedwithin container 310 for sale as a unit.

It is contemplated that reusable, multi-purpose container 310, wheninitially filled with product A in fulfillment of its new packagingfunction, will be sold as a packaged array 325 as depicted in FIG. 15B,wherein a plurality of identical filled containers 310 are disposed in atwo-dimensional grouping of side-by-side arrays, held together with awrapping material, such as strapping 327 and/or plastic film 329 wrappedaround the entire grouping. Preferably, it may be advantageous to use aswrapping material 327 or 329 a material that is also made from the sametype of material as the container body 312 and/or lid 314.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, each mainlid 314 is formed with a pair of locking tabs 330 respectively formed ontwo of the vertically extending side wall portions 332a and 332c (FIGS.18A-18G of the lid, and a pair of locking recesses 331 respectivelyformed on a different pair of vertically extending side wall portions332b and 332c of the lid. The tabs 330 extend in mutually perpendicularplanes P1 and P2 (FIG. 18A only) and the recesses 331 also extend inmutually perpendicular planes P3 and P4 that are respectively parallelto the first set of planes P2,P1. This arrangement of locking tabs 330and recesses 331 advantageously allows the adjacent containers 310 inthe two-dimensional grouping 325 to interlock with each other and imparta rigidity and stability to the packaged structure.

Although the foregoing features and advantages of the FIG. 13 embodimentof the present invention will now be described for preferred use withreusable container 310, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skillin the art that the principles of the invention extend to use with othertypes of reusable containers, including those disclosed in the FIG. 1-12embodiments discussed hereinabove.

Referring now to the particular structure of container 310, thecontainer body 312 (see FIGS. 17A-17G) includes a bottom wall 334 formedwith nestable and stackable formations 336 designed to interfit with themain lid 314 of an adjacent below container in a stacking configuration,and a perimetric side wall 338 extending upwardly from the bottom wallto create a leak proof container body. The side wall 338 can begenerally octagonal in plan view (see, e.g., FIG. 17D), or have anotherpolygonal or curvilinear shape, with two elongated side wall portions338a,338b respectively interconnected with six shorter side wallportions 338c, 338d, 338e, 338f, 338g and 338h. The elongated andshorter side wall portions 338a-338h are preferably tapered in thedirection of the bottom wall 334, as best seen in FIGS. 17A-17C, tofacilitate nesting empty containers. Four or the six shorter side wallportions 338c-338h are diagonal webs 338c, 338e, 338f and 338h which arerespectively located immediately adjacent the opposite side edges of theelongated side wall portions 338a,338b. To facilitate manual gripping,each web 338c,338e,338f,338h is formed with a first longitudinal fingergripping recess 340 in the exterior surface thereof extending from thecontainer bottom wall 334 for approximately two-thirds the height of thecontainer body 312. The remaining two shorter side wall portions338d,338g are disposed respectively inbetween a pair of the diagonalwebs, and are each formed with a second longitudinal recess 342 in theexterior surface thereof, extending from the container bottom wall 334along most of the container height. Each second longitudinal recess 342also performs a finger-gripping function while facilitating sliding ofan empty inner nested container outwardly from the empty outer container(not shown) because the contact wall surface area is reduced between thetwo nested containers, lowering resistance to such sliding movement.

As best depicted in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the side wall portions 338d and338g may be respectively formed with English system gradations, andmetric gradations to facilitate multi-functional use of the container310 for dispensing accurate predetermined quantities of the product fromthe container.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18G, the main lid 314 includes a top wall 344and a perimetric side wall which, in the preferred embodiment, includeseight side wall portions 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d, 332e, 332f, 332g and332h adapted to interfit over the uppermost edges 16 of the containerside wall portions 338a-338h. The lid side walls 332a-332h are formedwith an inner rib 340 on an inward facing surface thereof (see, e.g.,FIG. 18E) which is adapted to slide over an exterior bead 342 formed inthe upper edge of the container side wall portions, in snap-fittingengagement, to sealingly secure the main lid 314 to the container body312 as best depicted in FIGS. 19A and 19B.

Details of the male and female locking formations 330,331 arerespectively depicted in FIGS. 18D and 18G. In the preferred embodiment,the male locking tab 330 is formed with an exterior annular recess 330'adapted to snap-fittingly engage an internal annular rib 331' in thefemale recess 331 of a lid 314 in an adjacent container 310' (FIG. 15B)to ensure secure locking retention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18C, wherein the longer elongated lid sidewall portions 332a,332d (adapted to interfit over the containerelongated side wall portions 338a,338b) are shown disposed at the 12:00and 6:00 positions (for reference purposes only) in a top plan view ofthe lid. In this frame of reference, the lid top wall 344 is formed witha circular upstanding wall 350 (FIG. 18B) defining the circular opening316a in the 9:00 position through which container contents may bedispensed. The top wall 344 also includes the second pour opening 316bin the 3:00 position, formed by three upstanding walls 352a, 352b and352c defining three sides of a rectangle, with the fourth longitudinalside replaced with a trapezoidal shaped side wall 352d, 352e and 352f inan outboard region of the lid 314. A pair of hinge openings 356 arepunched through the top wall 344 to define a hinge axis 358 extending inthe 6:00 to 12:00 direction, into which hinge connecting formations 360of the auxiliary closure 318 sealingly interfit to connect the closureto the lid top wall 344 as best depicted in FIG. 19B.

Still with reference to FIG. 18C, the top wall 344 further includes apair of upstanding trapezoidal formations 362 extending parallel to theelongated lid side portions 332a,332d at the 6:00 and 12:00 positions,respectively. The upstanding base 362a of each trapezoidal formation 362serves to positively locate the auxiliary closure 318 for ease ofreattachment to the main lid top wall 344 at hinge openings 356.Additionally, the three outboard vertical surfaces (i.e., the trapezoidside edges 362b,362c and the trapezoid top edge 362d) are advantageouslydesigned to interfit within the bottom wall 334 of the container body312 to achieve a stable stacking formation. As discussed briefly abovein connection with FIGS. 17A and 17C, the molded container body bottomwall 334 has the inward facing vertical surfaces 336 designed toslidably and preferably snugly fit over the trapezoidal stackingformations 362 of an adjacent below container in positive interlockingstacking engagement, with the manual pull tabs 382 of the auxiliaryclosure 318 on the associated lid 314 of the lower stacked containerprojecting outward elevationally beneath second recess 342 of the uppercontainer.

The auxiliary closure 318, as best depicted in FIGS. 20A-20D, is formedwith a center hinge portion 370 from which the hinge connectingformations 360 project to connect the closure to the lid top wall 344.Opposite ends 372 and 374 of the closure 318 are respectivelyinterconnected to opposing sides of the hinge portion 370 throughrespective pairs of vertically spaced, inner connecting webs 376 (bestdepicted in FIG. 20A) extending the width of the closure. It will beappreciated that a respective pair of connecting webs 376 creates aflexure zone about which the associated closure ends 372 or 374 pivotinto and out of sealing closing contact with its associated pour opening316a,316b, respectively. In addition, webs 376 may be replaced with athin wall relative to the thickness of the closure ends.

More specifically, the bottom surface of one closure end 372 is formedwith a cylindrical upstanding wall 378 (FIGS. 15 and 20A) designed tosealingly interfit within and against the circular wall 350 defining thecircular opening 316a within the main lid 314 (FIG. 18C). The bottomsurface of the other closure end 374 is formed with an upstanding wall380 (also FIGS. 15A and 20A) circumscribing a trapezoid so as tosealingly interfit within and against the correspondingly shapedrectangular and trapezoidal walls 352a-352f defining the larger pouropening 316b within the main lid 314.

With both closure end portions 372,374 sealingly secured to cover itsrespective hole 316a,316b, one of the end portions can be unsecured fromits hole by grasping the manual pull tab 382 to lift the closure end inpivoting movement about the hinge axis 358. Preferably, but notnecessarily, the other closure end portion remains secured to cover itsrespective hole. Once contents are dispensed, the unsecured closure endportion is snap-it secured back into sealing contact with the associatedpour opening.

It will be appreciated that the above described component parts ofcontainer 310 may be molded from a plastic material such aspolypropylene. Other types of materials and plastics may also be used asdeemed appropriate. Preferably, materials that are dishwasher safe orusable for microwave preparation or heating of foods can be used.Furthermore, as mentioned briefly above, the container shape may bemodified to provide for different other types of reusable andmulti-purpose container functions within the spirit of the invention asdescribed hereinabove and as embodied in the claims below.

Additionally, although in this preferred embodiment the main lid 314 andauxiliary closure 318 are disclosed as providing liquid snap-fittingseals between each other, it will be appreciated that, in certainapplications such as pertaining exclusively to the storage of dry goods,the aforementioned seals need not necessarily be liquid seals. Thus, theterm "seal" or "sealing" or "sealingly" as used in the presentspecification and claims does not necessarily limit the claims to theuse of liquid seals.

It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent invention fulfills all of the objects set forth above. Afterreading the foregoing specification, one of ordinary skill will be ableto effect various changes, substitutions of equivalents and variousother aspects of the invention as broadly disclosed herein. It istherefore intended that the protection granted hereon be limited only bythe definition contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

We claim:
 1. In combination; comprising:(a) a reusable plasticcontainer; and (b) a product including a plurality of plastic garbagebags disposed within said reusable container, wherein said reusableplastic container includes a container label associated with thecontainer and having indicia representative of a description of theproduct, said container thereby functions as packaging and shippingmaterial for said plastic garbage bags, said container, label and saidbags thereby being saleable as a unit at a point of purchase; whereinsaid reusable plastic container includes a container body; a main liddetachably secured to close an open end of the container body, said mainlid being formed with at least one pour opening; and an auxiliaryclosure secured to the main lid to selectively cover said pour opening.2. In combination; comprising:(a) a reusable plastic container; and (b)a product including a plurality of plastic garbage bags disposed withinsaid reusable container, wherein said reusable plastic containerincludes a container label associated with the container and havingindicia representative of a description of the product, said containerthereby functions as packaging and shipping material for said plasticgarbage bags, said container, label and said bags thereby being saleableas a unit at a point of purchase; wherein said reusable plasticcontainer includes a container body; a main lid detachably secured toclose an open end of the container body, said main lid being formed withat least one pour opening; and an auxiliary closure secured to the mainlid to selectively cover said pour opening; wherein said main lidincludes first and second pour openings spaced from each other, whereinsaid auxiliary closure includes a pair of closure portions at oppositeends thereof and a hinge portion at a center location, means forconnecting said hinge portion to said main lid, whereby said closureportions are independently manually pivotable into and out of closingcontact with an associated said pour opening.
 3. In combination;comprising:(a) a reusable plastic container; and (b) a product includinga plurality of plastic garbage bags disposed within said reusablecontainer, wherein said reusable plastic container includes a containerlabel associated with the container and having indicia representative ofa description of the product, said container thereby functions aspackaging and shipping material for said plastic garbage bags, saidcontainer, label and said bags thereby being saleable as a unit at apoint of purchase; wherein said reusable plastic container includes acontainer body; a main lid detachably secured to close an open end ofthe container body, said main lid being formed with at least one pouropening; and an auxiliary closure secured to the main lid to selectivelycover said pour opening; wherein said main lid includes first and secondpour openings spaced from each other, wherein said auxiliary closureincludes a pair of closure portions at opposite ends thereof and a hingeportion at a center location, means for connecting said hinge portion tosaid main lid, whereby said closure portions are independently manuallypivotable into and out of closing contact with an associated said pouropening; wherein said hinge portion has thin connecting web portionsconnecting the hinge to said closure portions of greater thickness thansaid web portions, said web portions thereby defining flexure zonesabout which the closure portions pivot relative to the hinge portion. 4.In combination; comprising:(a) a reusable plastic container; and (b) aproduct including a plurality of plastic garbage bags disposed withinsaid reusable container, wherein said reusable plastic containerincludes a container label associated with the container and havingindicia representative of a description of the product, said containerthereby functions as packaging and shipping material for said plasticgarbage bags, said container, label and said bags thereby being saleableas a unit at a point of purchase; wherein said reusable plasticcontainer includes a container body; a main lid detachably secured toclose an open end of the container body, said main lid being formed withat least one pour opening; and an auxiliary closure secured to the mainlid to selectively cover said pour opening; further comprising a lockingtab formed on a side wall portion of at least one of the main lid andcontainer body, and a locking recess formed on another side wall portionof at least one of the main lid and container body, whereby matingengagement of a locking tab of one said reusable plastic containerwithin a locking recess of another said reusable plastic containerenables adjacent containers to interlock in side-by-side display and toprovide shipping stability.
 5. In combination; comprising:(a) a reusableplastic container; and (b) a product including a plurality of plasticgarbage bags disposed within said reusable container, wherein saidreusable plastic container includes a container label associated withthe container and having indicia representative of a description of theproduct, said container thereby functions as packaging and shippingmaterial for said plastic garbage bags, said container, label and saidbags thereby being saleable as a unit at a point of purchase; whereinsaid reusable plastic container includes a container body; a main liddetachably secured to close an open end of the container body, said mainlid being formed with at least one pour opening; and an auxiliaryclosure secured to the main lid to selectively cover said pour opening;further comprising a locking tab formed on a side wall portion of atleast one of the main lid and container body, and a locking recessformed on another side wall portion of at least one of the main lid andcontainer body, whereby mating engagement of a locking tab of one saidreusable plastic container within a locking recess of another saidreusable elastic container enables adjacent containers to interlock inside-by-side display and to provide shipping stability; wherein saidlocking tab and locking recess are provided with ribbed formations toenable snap-fitting interconnection.
 6. In combination; comprising:(a) areusable plastic container including an open top container body and amain lid reattachably secured to selectively close the open top anddefine a liquid tight seal; and (b) a dry product disposed within saidreusable container; (c) a label operatively connected to the containerand having indicia representative of the description of the dry productpackage within the container; wherein said reusable plastic containerconstitutes packaging for said dry product, said container, label andsaid product thereby being saleable as a unit at a point of purchase;wherein said dry products are plural garbage bags.
 7. A method ofpackaging a product, comprising the steps of:(a) packaging said productwithin a reusable plastic container formed with a liquid tight closurelid and functioning as the packaging for said product; and (b) sellingthe reusable container and said second product as a unit at a point ofpurchase; whereby said container is reusable as a multi-functionalcontainer after both are purchased and said product is removed ordispensed from the container; wherein said products are plastic trashbags.
 8. In combination, comprising:(a) a reusable plastic containerincluding a lid removably mounted to said container to form a liquidtight closure; and (b) plastic goods disposed within said reusablecontainer, wherein said reusable container functions as packaging andshipping material for said plastic goods, both said container andplastic goods thereby being saleable as a unit at a point of purchase,wherein said plastic goods constitutes a plurality of plastic garbagebags.